6. Carolina Panthers
Quarterback Cam Newton’s offense sputtered its way through 2016, finishing 19th in the league. Overall, the team’s offense occupies $92.122 million in team cap space heading towards the new season.
The Panthers made Newton a rich man when they signed him to a five-year $103.8 million contract in 2015. Newton’s jumbo salary eats into 10.92 percent of the money spent on offense.
Tight end Greg Olsen, who is about as reliable as they come, accounts for $10.35 million in pay. Meanwhile, Panthers center Ryan Kalil, right tackle Michael Oher and left tackle Matt Kalil total for $17.83 million in cap dollars. Oher by the way, has yet to be cleared from concussion protocol. He also might not be a salary concern for the Panthers soon here according to this news.
Michael Oher's time in Charlotte appears to be just about done. https://t.co/Ex77sefvi8
— Joe Person (@josephperson) June 9, 2017
The running back tandem of veteran Jonathan Stewart and rookie Christian McCaffery occupy a total of $9.31 million in salary cap. And former 2014 first-round pick, wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, rounds out the top 10 in highest cap hits at $2.44 million.
The Panthers can only hope their offense gets its groove back in 2017. Rookies McCaffery and wide receiver Curtis Samuel should be tremendous assets to Newton this fall.